Spring is utility disconnect season
Many of us in the Upper Peninsula are glad to see the return of spring-like weather, but you might not be pleased to see it if you’re struggling with utility bills.
With the bitter cold apparently gone, utilities are more likely to shut off your service if you owe.
Utility companies are allowed to disconnect service in Michigan in the wintertime for non-payment, but many providers, including UPPCO, choose not to.
The company says staying in touch with utility companies about your situation, and paying whatever you can, both help.
The Michigan Department of Human Services, the Salvation Army and Saint Vincent de Paul may also be able to help.
UPPCO says more than 2,600 of its customers are four months or more behind on their bills.
That’s a slight increase from last year.
The average amount owed by past due customers is up slightly as well.